2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Lincoln Aviator

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a bold and rugged design, a departure from its previous soft-roader styling. Its angular front fascia, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner, featured stacked trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a robust and mechanical appearance. The dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was more than just a fuel-efficient vehicle; it was also capable of off-road adventures. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 18-inch wheels on the XSE and Limited, enhancing its aggressive stance. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid's design was simple yet functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While it lacked luxury features like leather upholstery, the Softex seats and interior materials were of good quality, though not as refined as some competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was a standout in terms of styling, drawing inspiration from the successful design of the Lincoln Navigator. It featured sharp lines and chrome accents, creating a sophisticated and luxurious look. Inside, the Aviator distinguished itself from its Ford counterpart with a cabin defined by comfort and warmth, featuring soft-touch materials and a 10.1-inch touchscreen that dominated the dash. The piano button shifter added a unique touch, and the soothing chimes for alerts contributed to the Aviator's air of class. Available in trims like Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring, Black Label, and Black Label Grand Touring, the Aviator offered a range of features, from synthetic leather upholstery and tri-zone climate control in the Standard trim to upgraded leather, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Revel premium stereo system in the Reserve trim. The Grand Touring trim added a plug-in hybrid powertrain and luxurious features like massaging front seats, while the Black Label trims included nearly every optional feature as standard.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivered 219 horsepower, 16 more than the standard version, and boasted an impressive combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. This efficiency was consistently achievable in real-world testing, making it a standout in its class. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, providing all-wheel drive without the need for a heavy driveshaft. This setup allowed the RAV4 Hybrid to weigh only about 200 pounds more than the non-hybrid model, benefiting both handling and fuel economy. The hybrid system provided ample electric power for quick acceleration, and regenerative braking was smooth. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds, and its steering and suspension ensured a comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator offered a powerful performance with its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Black Label trims featured a plug-in hybrid configuration, increasing output to 494 hp and 630 lb-ft of torque, with a 21-mile electric-only range. The Aviator's conventional powertrain provided robust acceleration, while the hybrid powertrain offered brisk acceleration with a smooth power delivery. However, the Aviator's size and weight resulted in noticeable body roll in corners and made it less agile in tight spaces. The drive mode selector offered options like "Excite" and "Conserve," enhancing the driving experience, though the Aviator was best suited for highways and suburban environments.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (optional 8-inch) positioned prominently on the dashboard. The center console offered space for a cell phone, cupholders, and a large storage bin. While the cabin could be quieter, the RAV4 Hybrid's electric drive reduced engine noise. The rear seat provided impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably, and the cargo area offered 37.6 cubic feet of space, with no compromise in interior or cargo space due to the hybrid hardware.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator provided 18.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats, expandable to 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 77.7 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The second row, especially in the Grand Touring trim, featured captain's chairs and a digital control panel for seat, climate, and audio controls. The Aviator's power-button door releases were a unique feature, though they raised concerns about functionality if the battery died.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, providing excellent infotainment technology. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered SiriusXM Radio, WiFi Connect, and a USB-A port for phone connectivity. The Predictive Efficient Drive system improved hybrid efficiency, and drivers could choose between "Eco," "Sport," and "Trail" modes for different driving experiences.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, offering a user-friendly interface and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Aviator's digital instrument panel and optional head-up display provided clear and easy-to-read information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and had two safety recalls for engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.

The 2021 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 package, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot 360 Plus package added reverse automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, including a Top Safety Pick accolade.